Chapter 63

The ceremony itself was fleeting but the emotions of the newly wedded couple were mirrored on all the genuine faces in the crowd. Many sobbed, wiping away single strands of tears as the couples exchanged rings and shared a powerful kiss.
The guests that represented the bride’s side were unmoved, many of her father’s associates now biting their tongues. She was married to a powerful man now, any chances they may have had to take advantage of her body was now gone, this didn’t mean they stopped eyeing her though. Her father had made many deals for her body and none had panned out, she’d always find some way to escape and the more unattainable and challenging she became the more she was desired. Men offered financial gain just for an hour or two alone with her to try and subdue her, but they were all outsmarted.

While the predatory glancers drank away their disappointment, everyone was shuffled out doors for the reception and for a while Mia had lost sight of Harvey, not that she had a lot of opportunity to search for him with Gabriel right at her side and hundreds of people gathered about. She moved over to the outside bar for a glass of wine, the thin pointed heels of her pumps sinking into the lawn and making her movements sluggish and awkward. A towering presence coming up beside her as the bartender rushed inside to refill his outside stocks. Apparently drinks were flowing more freely than water during a rainstorm, according the boy who had seemed nervous to be out of wine already.

Mia hadn’t gazed up, waiting patiently she had no desire to return to Gabriel as soon as possible anyway. This time alone a literal breath of fresh air.
“Don’t look at me, just listen.” Harvey was whispering. Her breath stuck in her throat at the sound of his deep timbre. It was also a good thing that the music in the background would prevent any accidental eavesdropping.
Mia forced herself to exhale and despite her initial need to set her eyes upon him, she counselled herself to heed his advice. She swallowed hard and lowered her head, her eyes staring down at his shoes; he was always in immaculate condition while she was sure her entire heels were coated in dirt.

“I’ll meet you in your room at eight tonight, so be ready to let me in.” He said, turning his attention to the bartender making his way back.

“A whisky, my good man.” He acknowledged the young man, received his drink and left without as much as a glance in her direction.

“Are you alright, Mrs?” The shy lad leaned forward a bit so his voice could be carried off towards her ears.
The shadows over Mia’s pupils cleared and she smiled at the boy with a nod, taking hold of her drink and thanking him. Her head was buzzing had she hadn’t taken a single sip of alcohol yet just. At this rate, her nervousness was more potent than any spirits she ventured to consume. She peered in Gabriel’s direction, her wooziness causing her to see double. Mia shut her eyes and sucked in a breath, there was at least four hours until her appointment with Harvey. She needed to stay calm.
She ventured closer to Gabriel and his circle, sipping her wine and glancing about at the number of women kicking of their heels to dance about in the lawn. As the sun hung low in the sky casting down shadows of pink, grey and orange Mia excused herself and made her way to an empty table on the far end of the lawn. She unbuckled her heels and stretched her toes. They were stiff and aching.

“Hello, there,” Mia looked up at the sound so close to her. The woman’s long white dress, splattered with lace trimmings and sparkling beads was swept up in the wind; an ethereal sight. She was a moon Goddess, her skin glittering under the shadows. She was otherworldly to say the least, her smile mesmerizing to Mia. “We haven’t formally met yet, my name is Lana.” The glowing bride exuded happiness as she sank down exasperatedly next to Mia, casting a glance over to her husband smiling gleefully with his groomsmen.

“Mia.” She introduced herself with a wide smile, Lana’s happiness was contagious. Mia had enjoyed watching the bride and groom dancing under the moonlight while the band played musical notes that infused with the looming night air.

“I hope you are enjoying yourself.” Lana turned her attention fully to Mia, her voice lowering as the band switched to a slow melody that swayed in the background.
Mia nodded, “I haven’t gotten a chance to congratulate you, I couldn’t be happier for you two. The love I see in both of your eyes are striking and mutual.” Mia responded feeling every word she said. Until now, she’d seen the bride and groom from afar, almost as if she was watching a movie in 3D.

“Thank you so much.” She twirled the simple silver heart locket at her throat.

“And are you happily married, Mia?” Lana’s eyes were soul searching. Mia could already tell Lana knew the answer to the question she was asking.

Mia smiled, there was no use lying. “We all aren’t meant to taste such bliss.” Lana giggled at Mia’s bold response, shaking her head in disagreement. “I used to think the same thing.”

“Now, I know even those of us targeted by the devil have a chance to escape.” Her gaze was far off, they refocused on Mia, “we just have to take the leap of faith.” She nodded towards the back of Mia. Mia twisted slightly to view Harvey’s side profile. She eased forward in her seat to gaze at Lana.

“I-I…” Mia didn’t know how to respond, but Lana smiled gently, patting Mia’s hand.

“I know you have heard rumours about my life and I have heard about yours and your husband,” Lana said slowly, “I can see where your love lies.” She told Mia. “Give him a chance, I heard he is very resourceful, my own husband barely wins against Harvey Regal.” She chuckled.

“I don’t know what to say.” Mia responded, unsure how she should feel. Should she feel worried? Was their connection obvious? How many other people had noted it?

“Don’t worry, I am not a blabber mouth.” Lana noted the worry in Mia’s eyes. “I just feel some kindred emotion towards you since I realised who you were married to and I noticed a bit over the last two days.” She revealed and Mia nodded. She couldn’t explain it but the tension drained away. She believed Lana because she too had seen her as a woman who’d been controlled by a powerful man.

“I believe you.” Mia responded and Lana’s smile widened to show her perfectly set teeth.

“Can I ask you a question?” Mia was curious about a few things, “It’s a bit personal.” She predicated.

“We are practically friends, ask away.” Lana replied stoically, waving away the formality, not at all regretting coming over to talk to Mia. She really hoped to maintain the connection.

“As you said, rumours fly when one is involved in this society,” Mia looked around, “how could you forgive your father for the things he’s done?” Mia’s brows furrowed,

“Assuming they are true, of course.” She added in quickly.

“Since I know a bit of your secrets, I’ll let you in on the truth.” Lana sucked in a breath. The only persons who knew the truth were her father and her now husband.

“When I was nineteen one of my father’s business associates followed me into my room while he was roaming the house and raped me.”
Mia’s face was drawn, her stomach churned and everything in it threatened to erupt out. “When he was done, my father entered the room told me to shower and put on my clothes. He’d heard me screaming long before and hadn’t done a thing. In exchange for his silence, he made corporate demands of his associate.” Mia could see the glistening in Lana’s eyes and she had no doubt she was reliving the pain, but more than that there was insatiable anger.

“That’s horrible.” Mia exclaimed, a small crack in her voice. She didn’t dare say more, she could barely speak at this point.

“After that, he put me in a room with another man who’d only managed to put his fingers in me when I stabbed him with my hair pin in his leg. He was too traumatised by his precious manhood coming so close to destruction that he threw me across the room and ran out.” There was pride in her eyes now. “I learned then not to be scared but rather to be prepared. No one has been capable of touching a hair on my head since then,” she shook her head, “without my consent, of course.” She continued. “so, to answer your question, I do not possess the quality to forgive, I am biding my time for everyone who had a hand in my humiliation.”

Mia saw the determination in Lana’s eyes and her pity waddled away to a lower amount. This woman was a survivor and Mia had nothing but respect for her and while revenge may seem petty to the more evolved souls, Mia wished Lana her satisfaction.